Overview
On December 13, 2024, AIDS United hosted a Community Learning and Listening Session titled “Understanding Project 2025, Assessing the Threats, and Empowering Action.”
Project 2025, a conservative mandate developed by The Heritage Foundation, aimed to influence the incoming presidential administration’s policies, focusing on areas such as healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, civil liberties, reproductive health, and immigration.
The event attracted 186 attendees who engaged in various presentations through a panel of policy experts moderated by Christina Adeleke, Esq., Senior Policy Manager for Community Mobilization and Health Equity at AIDS United.
The panel featured
Matthew Rose, Human Rights Campaign
José Abrigo, Lambda Legal
Jada Hicks from the Center for HIV Law and Policy
Participants assessed potential threats posed by the project and brainstormed actionable strategies to safeguard the rights and well-being of communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
Watch the full session below:
Questions & Answers
Questions proposed by attendees of the webinar of December 12, 2024.
What is the 340B reference in Project 2025?
The 340B program allows certain safety-net providers, like FQHCs, CHCs, and Ryan White entities, to purchase medications at discounted rates. Any mention in Project 2025 could reflect potential policy shifts that might limit or alter these savings. Advocates should monitor this closely to ensure these critical funds remain accessible for HIV care and wraparound services.
Is Project 2025 based on the Seven Mountain Mandate?
While there may be ideological overlaps between the Seven Mountain Mandate and Project 2025, they are distinct. However, the influence of religious conservative values in Project 2025 suggests alignment in targeting policy areas such as public health, education, and governance.
How is the new administration viewing programs specific to transgender people living with HIV? What actions can protect these projects?Given the political climate, transgender-focused HIV initiatives could face undermining of the administration or funding cuts. To protect these programs:
- Advocate directly with federal and local policymakers.
- Emphasize the public health impact and cost-effectiveness of these services.
- Build coalitions to defend the broader HIV care network, as attacks on one group often escalate to others.
Should advocates compile a list of appointees involved in Project 2025?
Yes, identifying appointees and their roles can aid in targeted advocacy. Sharing such a list with community leaders ensures strategic responses and helps prepare for potential challenges.
What do the color codes in Project 2025 signify?
The color codes likely represent thematic or priority areas within the document. While we cannot predict exact executive orders, monitoring transition memos and advocacy briefs will offer clearer indications of Day 1-3 priorities.
Should Europe prepare for an influx of LGBTQ+ rights activists?
If rights regress in the U.S., Europe could indeed see an increase in asylum applications from LGBTQ+ individuals. Activists and allies should collaborate to ensure safe pathways and necessary support systems are in place.
Does Project 2025 mention the Ryan White Program?Direct mention of the Ryan White Program has not been confirmed, but its omission or inclusion will indicate how HIV care might be prioritized. Advocates should remain vigilant.
How can we address prosecutorial oversight boards?
Collaborate with progressive prosecutors and civil rights organizations to push back against efforts to limit prosecutorial discretion, such as Georgia’s PAQC. Education and coalition-building remain key.
How do we get disengaged individuals to stand with us?
To personalize the impact of policies, focus on grassroots strategies, storytelling, and one-on-one engagement. Provide resources like toolkits for community organizing and educational materials.
Resources
Presentation Slides – Lambda Legal
PROJECT 2025: Challenges and Threats to the HIV Community
The Power of Deep Canvassing
Deep Canvass Institute
Explore proven strategies to engage individuals on divisive issues through compassionate, story-driven conversations.
Advancing Racial Justice Through Legal Action
Law for Black Lives
Resources for using the law as a tool for community-driven social change.
Privacy and HIV Policy: A 2024 Framework
CHLP Model Policy on Data Privacy
Guidance for balancing public health needs with the privacy of individuals living with HIV.
Tracking Harmful Legislation: A Health Justice Tool
Health Not Prisons Bill Tracker
Stay informed on legislation affecting health equity, especially for marginalized communities.
Having Heart-to-Heart Conversations About Reproductive Justice
Abortion Funds Campaign
Learn how to navigate difficult conversations about abortion and reproductive justice.
SAGE and Project 2025: What Advocates Should Know
SAGE USA Report on Project 2025
Insights into Project 2025 and its implications for LGBTQ+ older adults and beyond.
Understanding Project 2025: A Call to Action
Project 2025 Mandate for Leadership
A deep dive into the Project 2025 document and its potential policy implications.